Bart de graaff foundation Review

About Bart de graaff foundation

The Bart de Graaff Foundation: Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

The Bart de Graaff Foundation is a Dutch non-profit organization that aims to empower young people with physical disabilities by helping them start their own businesses. Founded in 1999, the foundation is named after Bart de Graaff, a Dutch television presenter and entrepreneur who had a physical disability himself. He believed that having a disability should not be an obstacle to achieving success and wanted to inspire others to follow their dreams.

The foundation's mission is to support "Bikkels," which means "tough cookies" in Dutch, who are young people between the ages of 18 and 35 with physical disabilities such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. These individuals often face significant challenges when it comes to finding employment or starting their own businesses due to societal prejudices and lack of accessibility.

The Bart de Graaff Foundation provides Bikkels with financial support, coaching, and networking opportunities so they can turn their business ideas into reality. The foundation's approach is based on the belief that entrepreneurship can be an effective way for Bikkels to achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life.

One of the key programs offered by the foundation is called "Bikkelhart." This program provides Bikkels with funding up to €20,000 ($23,000) for starting or expanding their businesses. In addition to financial support, Bikkelhart also offers coaching from experienced entrepreneurs who volunteer their time and expertise.

Another program offered by the foundation is called "Bikkelacademie." This program provides training sessions on various topics related to entrepreneurship such as marketing strategies, financial management, legal issues, and social media skills. The Bikkelacademie also offers networking opportunities where Bikkels can meet other entrepreneurs and potential investors.

Since its inception in 1999 until now (2021), The Bart de Graaff Foundation has helped over 200 Bikkels start their own businesses. These businesses range from web design and graphic design to catering and fashion. Some of the successful Bikkel-owned businesses that have been supported by the foundation include "Bikkelhart Catering," "Bikkel Fashion," and "Bikkel Media."

The Bart de Graaff Foundation is funded by donations from individuals, companies, and organizations that share its vision of empowering young people with disabilities through entrepreneurship. The foundation also receives support from volunteers who help with coaching, training, and fundraising activities.

In conclusion, The Bart de Graaff Foundation is a remarkable organization that provides invaluable support to young entrepreneurs with physical disabilities in the Netherlands. By helping Bikkels start their own businesses, the foundation is not only improving their financial situation but also challenging societal prejudices about disability and promoting inclusivity. If you are interested in supporting this worthy cause or know someone who could benefit from its programs, please visit their website at www.bartfoundation.nl for more information.